Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary Director

https://libassawildlifesanctuary.org/

Position Title: Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary Director

Summary

Liberia is home to several of the largest remaining areas of intact tropical forest in West Africa. With its abundant ecosystems and rich biodiversity, the country faces many conservation challenges. Most wildlife that fall victim to the illegal wildlife trade in Liberia have a similar story. Their mothers or families are killed for bushmeat. Wildlife are often left orphaned or are taken from their habitats and kept as pets. Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary was founded in 2017 with a vision to protect Liberia’s wildlife and forests through wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs as well as raising awareness and education around issues of conservation throughout the country. The sanctuary is dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and release of animals confiscated from the bushmeat, wildlife trafficking, and live pet trades in Liberia. The Libassa team is committed to providing education and raising awareness of the laws protecting wildlife in Liberia and promoting the need for wildlife to stay wild. Libassa is currently seeking candidates for the position of Sanctuary Director. The selected candidate will oversee a small yet dedicated team of staff members and manage current and future grant opportunities. Individuals with a strong passion for wildlife conservation, biodiversity preservation, community outreach, and capacity building in resource-limited environments are encouraged to apply.

Background

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary is a Liberian registered non-profit sanctuary that was established in 2017 in Margibi County, Liberia. The sanctuary was established by the owners of Libassa Ecolodge and is open daily for public tours. It is the only sanctuary in Liberia which rehabilitates all animal species apart from chimpanzees. Therefore, the sanctuary frequently receives animals confiscated from the wildlife trafficking, bushmeat, and live pet trades from throughout Liberia and occasionally from neighboring countries. The sanctuary’s aim is to care for, rehabilitate, and release wildlife back into protected areas of Liberia. Reptiles, birds, and pangolins make up the majority of releases. All primates and most duikers received by the sanctuary have not yet been released due to the fact that they are easily habituated and there is a lack of resources necessary to rewild them. Consequently, the sanctuary provides long-term care for approximately 200 animals.

The sanctuary is currently working to recruit an on-site Director. The sanctuary operates on limited funding from several grants. The successful candidate must be able to work independently and collaboratively to manage existing grants and projects, seek additional funding opportunities, and oversee staff and animal welfare.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• A degree, preferably in a conservation/wildlife/project management/business management-related subject and/or a wealth of experience in sanctuary management
• Experience with grant writing and management 
• Experience in developing and managing projects, people, teams, finance, budgets, and administration
• Practical experience in wild animal husbandry, care, and rehabilitation
• Skills in animal management, preferably with experience working in Africa and/or running an NGO
• A strong passion for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation
• Experience with staff capacity building and taking disciplinary actions as needed
• Ability to communicate and adapt to a wide variety of audiences and circumstances
• Fluent in verbal and written English  
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills with limited resources  
• Capable of working overtime and variable shifts as needed
• Possession of a driver’s license

Key Responsibilities

Administration

• Provide day-to-day leadership and administrative management in support of the implementation of Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary programs
• Be responsible for and aid in team management, development, discipline, welfare, and motivation
• Manage key relationships with the Liberian government, NGO’s, donors, and other stakeholders on a national and international level
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports based on donor requirements
• Ensure website and social media are up-to-date
• Write grant and funding proposals to support the sanctuary and ensure continuous funding
• Attend national and international meetings to ensure the sanctuary is represented and informed at all times

Finances

• Work in conjunction with the sanctuary finance manager to maintain the finances of the sanctuary 
• Authorize expenditures and maintain records
• Authorize and monitor finances pertaining to major and minor projects and renovations at the sanctuary
• Authorize and manage grants and funding
• Ensure all finance responsibilities relating to grants and funding are completed to donor requirements
• Seek additional grants and funding opportunities  

Wildlife

• Liaise with the Liberian government in animal confiscations to ensure the continuous wellbeing of animals from seizure to arrival at the sanctuary
• Along with the wildlife veterinarian and manager, ensure and prioritize the welfare of all animals at the sanctuary at all times
• Liaise with the Liberian government when animals are ready to be released to obtain permission and assistance with the process
• Facilitate and participate in donor/supporter visits to the sanctuary and project sites in conjunction with all participating parties
• Facilitate community outreach and education activities to raise awareness in different areas pertaining to Liberian wildlife including: wildlife laws, zoonotic diseases, conservation, wildlife trafficking, conservation, biodiversity, etc. 

The sanctuary will provide:

• Salary commensurate with experience and expertise
  • $1,600 per month
  • Increases based on acquisition of additional grants and funding 
• Food and accommodation on-site
• Entry and working visa
• Internet
• Free access to Libassa Ecolodge www.libassa.com
• A vehicle is available, however fuel will not be provided for personal use

The applicant will need to provide:

• Flight to Liberia (reimbursed after 12 months)
• Vaccinations
• Health insurance

Application Process

Applicants should email their letter of motivation, current CV, and two references to:

• Rudolph Antoune
  • Owner, Libassa Ecolodge
  • rudolph@antoune.com  
• Bonnie Dighero-Kemp
  • Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary Board of Directors
  • bonnie@digkempsci.com
• Beyan Borbor
  • Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary Board of Directors
  • beyanborbor1989@gmail.com

Earliest possible start date: Available now